Chris Whaley

Grade

Draft Analysis:

6'3" Height

32 1/8" Arm Length

269LBS. Weight

9 1/8" Hands

Overview

Has two children. Rushed for 6,174 yards and 79 touchdowns as a prep in Texas, where he also played basketball and ran track. Redshirted as a running back in 2009. Appeared in 12 games but did not record stats in 2010. Moved to the defensive line in spring of 2011; played in all 13 games (one start) and managed five tackles, two tackles for loss and one sack with one batted pass in the fall. In 2012, logged 22 tackles, four tackles for loss and no sacks with two batted passes and two blocked kicks (extra points vs. Wyoming and Oklahoma) in 13 games. Made seven starts at nose tackle, one at defensive end and one at defensive tackle. In 2013, made nine starts at DT, but season was cut short when he suffered a left ACL injury against West Virginia. Recorded 25 tackles, five tackles for loss and two sacks with two batted passes and a 31-yard interception return vs. Oklahoma and had a 40-yard fumble return for a score against Kansas. Team captain. Was medically excluded from the combine (knee).

Analysis

Strengths

Good size-speed ratio and overall athletic ability. Is fairly athletic and light on his feet to slant, stunt and shoot gaps. Flashes disruptive ability behind the line of scrimmage. Hardworking.

Weaknesses

Marginal processing speed and reactive quickness -- guesses too much and is late to find the ball. Not stout -- is too easily rooted out of holes. Very green hand use -- has no plan. Lacks functional playing strength to handle the double team. Inconsistent effort. Gets pinballed too easily. Modest production.

Draft Projection

Rounds 6-7

Bottom Line

Similar to former Longhorns DT Henry Melton, Whaley is a converted running back who outgrew the position and flipped to the other side of the ball. Flashed big-time potential before suffering a season-ending ACL injury and will require some time to recover. Developmental project with intriguing upside for a patient team willing to develop him.
-Nolan Nawrocki